(StatePoint) From encouraging dialogue on mental health to initiating grassroots fundraising efforts for pediatric cancer, students across the country are choosing issues they’re passionate about and generating real change. Parents, educators and community members may ask a pertinent question: how can we develop this initiative in every child?

(StatePoint) As America’s opioid epidemic continues to impact communities large and small, new trends are raising new challenges for doctors and policymakers.

(StatePoint) It’s time to celebrate colorful falling leaves and cooling weather with fun seasonal activities. The good news? You don’t have to travel far from home to get your fall fix.

(StatePoint) The success of small and mid-size businesses is an important economic indicator, and new survey results show encouraging news. Despite pricing pressures, talks of tariffs and even recession, those in the business community are by and large feeling good this fall.

(StatePoint) A military background brings with it an ability to collaborate, problem-solve and thrive under pressure, making veterans well-positioned to take on leadership roles in the corporate world.

(StatePoint) When you see a product labeled “eco-friendly,” or “environmentally sustainable,” it can be tempting to take this at face-value and feel good about your purchase. However, a new report shows that while many major companies are making claims that they are tackling the plastic pollution crisis, there are reasons to be skeptical.

(StatePoint) Picture this: you’re getting ready for the day and check your phone to see what the weather will be like. Your weather app shows 58 degrees, so you throw on a light jacket and head out the door. By the time you reach the end of the block you’re hit in the face with a blast of wind and cold air. It feels more like 35 degrees.

(StatePoint) If you have Medicare and are looking for ways to save on the ever-increasing cost of medications next year, consider adding a prescription plan known as “Part D.” By making medications more affordable, Part D plans can help you stay on track to achieve your 2020 health goals.

(StatePoint) Approximately 30 million people in the U.S. have some form of liver disease, which occurs in people for many different reasons. Some common types and causes of liver disease include hepatitis, caused by viruses A, B, and C, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is caused by too much fat in the liver cells, and alcohol-related liver disease, caused by consuming too much alcohol. Having liver disease over a long period of time can result in cirrhosis, an advanced chronic liver disease, which then puts a patient at risk for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) – a serious complication of advanced liver disease.

(StatePoint) Biking to work is good for your health and good for the planet. If you are new to cycling in general or commuting to work by bike, there are a few things to consider before hitting the streets.

(StatePoint) Consumers face major financial decisions at every stage of life. But experts say a basic understanding of financial concepts can help you make better decisions related to money management and reduce your stress at the same time.

(StatePoint) Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are increasingly popular, offering robust benefits including vision, health, dental, drug coverage and more. For the more than 22 million people with an MA plan, the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), running from Oct. 15-Dec. 7, is the only time each year when they can shop for alternate plans.

(StatePoint) The pain and symptoms that accompany migraines can be debilitating. For children and teens, it can mean missed school days, absence from social or sporting events and activities at home.

(StatePoint) There’s no doubt about it -- what you do each day for work can make a huge impact on your overall well-being. According to a Society for Human Resource Management survey, key job satisfaction aspects include job security, respect, trust and a positive and healthy environment. If you don’t have these things in your workplace, you may be considering making a career shift.

(StatePoint) Many businesses -- and almost all employees -- would like it if there was a way for companies to help members of their workforce save for financial goals or pay off student loans. While most employers would like to offer such benefits, many have limited budget flexibility. But now, new options are helping them offer more meaningful perks without making substantial increases to their benefits budget.

(StatePoint) Whatever industry you work in and no matter what your role is, it’s possible you have wondered how emerging technologies will affect your job in the years to come or whether you’ll even have to switch careers entirely at some point.

(StatePoint) As more states nationwide adopt laws requiring high schools to offer personal finance classes, a new survey suggests that generation Z is on board with the trend.

(StatePoint) The devastation of recent hurricanes has left an indelible mark and also served as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Worldwide, 281 natural disasters impacted more than 60 million people in 2018, according to the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters. As unexpected occurrences continue around the globe, it is important to plan how to keep your family healthy and safe in the event an emergency or national disaster strikes close to home.

(StatePoint) Play is important for everyone, no matter their age --- and when grandparents, parents and children play together, that’s where the real benefits of unstructured fun are discovered.

(StatePoint) As housing prices soar nationwide, a growing number of Americans are unable to find affordable housing. Experts say that the problem has reached a crisis point, and is harming the welfare not only of individuals and families, but of communities and the economy at-large.  

(StatePoint) The transition from childhood to adolescence is a complex time for kids, but it’s also a complex time for you, and you may find yourself unsure how to give your children more independence and when to stay involved. But when it comes to doctor’s visits, medical experts emphasize the importance of empowering teens to talk to their doctors one-on-one.

(StatePoint) Routine check-ups are essential for adolescents and young adults. As health risks and concerns are rapidly changing during the teen years, these preventive services can help keep your teens healthy and safe. Experts say that conversations between doctors, patients and their families during these visits are very important.

(StatePoint) As we age, we sometimes regret those life lessons that might have served us better when we were younger. If you could roll back the years, what would you tell your younger self about money? 

(StatePoint) Songbirds are not only beautiful, they are a vital component of the ecosystems they inhabit. If you have a garden, you may have observed this in action.

(StatePoint) When children misbehave, there’s often a reason for it, according to experts, who point out that understanding the behaviors can help you manage them more effectively, especially during play time.

(StatePoint) As misinformation continues to spread about vaccines, medical experts are reminding parents and the general public that vaccinations save lives.

(StatePoint) Current research shows that contaminants in school drinking water can pose a threat to student health. Municipal water, which is not always optimal quality, may contain chemicals, bacteria, lead or microplastics -- all contaminants which have been found in tap and fountain water in schools nationwide.  

(StatePoint) As most students know, a mid-term jolt of motivation never hurts. 

(StatePoint) Fall means family outings and spending time outdoors. Amid all the fun, it’s important to be conscious of your environmental impact. One small way you can be a force for positive change is by properly disposing of old rechargeable batteries once they no longer power devices. You probably don’t know it, but battery recycling touches more areas of your life (and outings) than you realize.

(StatePoint) Imbalances in mood, learning, memory and motivation could be a result of PKU, which is short for phenylketonuria. Also known as PAH deficiency, this is a rare genetic condition that disrupts neurotransmitters in the brain and requires a special diet.

(StatePoint) Whether it’s dance lessons, computer projects, art class or yoga, kids these days are busy bees. And while such activities are enriching and fun, experts say that many kids aren’t spending enough time doing something much simpler and every bit as important as structured programming: playing outdoors.

(StatePoint) Plastic pollution is a crisis for communities, oceans and waterways, according to environmental experts, who point out that supermarkets -- as major contributors to the growing problem -- are in an important position to acknowledge and address the issue.

(StatePoint) The average menstruating woman uses 11,000 feminine hygiene products over her period lifetime. End-on-end, that amounts to eight times the height of the Golden Gate Bridge! For this reason, experts say the products you choose can make a significant impact on your health and the environment.

(StatePoint) Americans’ need for competent and ethical financial advice continues to grow, but the population of professionals who can provide such advice is shrinking.

(StatePoint) With so many negative messages about masculinity floating around these days, some say it’s important to spend some time focusing on the positive. Doing so can help give men the confidence they need to be their best selves.

(StatePoint) June to November is known in many parts of the country as hurricane season. As a growing area of the U.S. becomes susceptible to the effects of tropical storms, tornadoes and hurricanes, it’s important to have a plan for your home and family.

 (StatePoint) For many Americans, the Cold War is a distant memory or something read about in history books. But for thousands of workers who supported the war effort as an integral part of the nation’s nuclear defense system, it continues to be a bitter reality, as many are battling serious radiation-induced health problems from working in or near nuclear plants or uranium mines. According to experts, newly implemented reductions in benefits are making it harder for workers to get treatment for related conditions.

(StatePoint) Smart financial decisions can help your family make good college investment decisions. Unfortunately, unexpected costs throw many families for a loop. To plan realistically, consider the following:

(StatePoint) The definition of an overachiever is someone who goes above and beyond their daily responsibilities to make a positive impact on the world.

(StatePoint) The job market is rapidly changing, thanks to new and emerging technologies. As a result, job training has become highly specialized, even at the high school level.

(StatePoint) Only 39 percent of respondents in a FEMA survey say they have developed an emergency plan and discussed it with their households.

(StatePoint) A large amount of food in the U.S. is never eaten. However, there are many easy ways families and communities can eliminate food waste in their daily lives, while also protecting the environment.

(StatePoint) When you look down at the ground you may not realize the millions of miles of buried utility infrastructure that keeps society clothed, fed, powered, connected, and a whole lot more. Unfortunately, many of us are on an out-of-sight, out-of-mind basis with the pipes, wires, and cables situated right under our feet, and this can have disastrous consequences when we try to dig without doing our homework first.

(StatePoint) Native Americans serve in the U.S. military at a higher rate per capita than any other population group and have done so since the American Revolution. Yet there is no monument or memorial in the Nation’s capital that commemorates the contributions of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This is finally changing, as the first memorial to their service is being built.

(StatePoint) Fifty-two children died in hot cars nationwide in 2018 of pediatric vehicular heatstroke -- more than any other year on record in the past 20 years. Experts say that these tragic deaths are entirely preventable.

(StatePoint) At-home and on-the-go, it may be time to take stock of the way you are quenching your thirst.

(StatePoint) New research suggests that Americans may be picking up paint brushes over remote controls.

(StatePoint) Are you an older adult looking for some inspiration to stay physically active? This year, the 2019 National Senior Games presented by Humana gathered a record number of more than 13,700 athletes aged 50 and over to compete in 20 medal sports in Albuquerque, N.M.

(StatePoint) Approximately 2.5 million people in the U.S. are living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and as many as 75 percent of people with the disease don’t know they’re infected. Untreated, HCV can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer. While these numbers may sound startling, there’s good news, too.

(StatePoint) As the popularity and availability of electric vehicles (EV) continues to grow in the U.S., a new survey suggests that many consumers still have a lot to learn about the technology.

(StatePoint) If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) you know that it can impact many different areas of your life. What you may not know is that early and consistent management of the disease can greatly improve outcomes and overall quality of life.

(StatePoint) When visiting one of the stunningly diverse 419 national park sites nationwide, experts say it is important to recognize the individuals who have spoken up over the decades to protect and enhance these incredible places, as well as the work that is still needed.

(StatePoint) More than 26 million Americans are living with asthma, including 6.2 million children. While there is no cure, asthma can be managed and treated so that those with the condition can live normal, healthy lives -- indoors as well as outdoors.

(StatePoint) Chances are high that you know someone with COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It’s the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., and more than 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with it. But according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), millions more people have COPD and don’t realize it. Could you or someone you know be among them?